In the 10+ years I’ve been working on music production, I’ve found it to be a challenging yet fulfilling pursuit, offering both creative expression and potential career opportunities.
Becoming a music producer will always be worth it to anyone who is passionate about producing music and being involved in the music industry. This is why it’s recommended to start with music production as a hobby to make sure you are truly passionate about it before pursuing it more professionally.
Thankfully, in 2023, there is such a large amount of tutorials and education for music production that having to invest in music production is not at all a necessity – it can speed up the process but I’ve gotten to this point mostly by following different YouTube tutorials!
Ultimately, whether or not music production is worth it depends on your personal goals, interests, and passion for music. So, here are 5 factors to consider:
1. Passion & Creative Fulfillment
If you have a passion for music and enjoy the process of creating and producing music, then music production can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding pursuit.
Because making music can be a difficult and sometimes technical process, it can be a good idea to really try diving into learning music production first before committing more professionally.
There’s a difference between being passionate about making music or simply being someone who loves listening to music – there’s nothing wrong with being in either camp!
Passion is the driving force behind music production, and without it, the process can become tedious and unfulfilling.
To assess your passion, ask yourself why you are interested in music production:
- Do you love creating music and experimenting with different sounds?
- Do you have the desire to work in the music industry?
By understanding your passion for music production, you can determine whether it is worth investing your time and effort into this pursuit.
2. Goals & Career Opportunities
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, then music production can be a valuable skill to have. With the rise of digital music platforms, there are more opportunities than ever before for independent music producers to showcase their work and make a name for themselves.
With that said, there are a variety of goals that can be pursued in music production, from creating music for personal enjoyment to pursuing a career as a music producer.
To determine if music production is worth it to you, consider whether your goals align with the realities of the music industry.
For example, if your goal is to become a successful music producer, you should research the industry and understand the skills and experience required to succeed.
3. Time & Financial Investment
Music production can be a time-consuming and expensive pursuit, requiring significant investments in equipment, software, and education.
It’s important to consider whether you are willing to make these investments and commit the necessary time and effort to become proficient at music production.
Consider your current financial situation, your available time, and your willingness to commit to the process.
4. Competitive Industry
The music industry is highly competitive, and success in music production requires a combination of talent, hard work, and networking.
It’s important to be realistic about your chances of success and understand the challenges you may face in pursuing a career in music production.
You should also be prepared to spend several years improving your skills and making a name for yourself before you start to see some acceptance in the industry.
5. Seeking Advice & Feedback
Seeking advice and feedback from friends and family members that know you well in addition to real music producers can be a valuable way to decide if music production is worth it.
Although you can get far by analyzing yourself, you should talk to other music producers, seek feedback on your work, and ask for advice on improving.
This can help you gain a better understanding of the realities of music production and whether it is a pursuit that aligns with your interests and goals.
Now It’s Your Turn
By assessing your passion, evaluating your goals, considering the investment required, researching career opportunities, and seeking advice and feedback, you can determine whether music production is a pursuit worth pursuing.
Remember, music production can be a challenging yet fulfilling process, and the decision to pursue it should be based on a thorough understanding of the realities of the music industry and your own personal goals and interests.
